Gary Ross Announces He Will Not Direct 'Catching Fire'

The final and official verdict is in: Gary Ross will not direct Catching Fire, the follow-up to the current box office juggernaut, The Hunger Games.

"As a writer and a director, I simply don't have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule," Gary Ross said in a statement regarding why he will not return to direct Catching Fire.

It's another hard lesson for Hollywood as the fierce competition between studios creates a mad rush to meet their announced theatrical release dates ever before all of the crucial and necessary pre-production steps have been sorted out. Too many tent pole films are set to hit theatres these days sometimes even before a director is appointed (i.e. the sequel to Captain America).

Internet rumors have been rampant over the past week concerning whether director Gary Ross would return to helm the next installment of The Hunger Games trilogy, which is set to start shooting in late summer / fall. According to Deadline a decision would be made following Easter Weekend, amid the speculation of 'will he' or 'won't he' stay on board for a franchise that he not only cultivated, but even co-wrote the screenplay with Suzanne Collins, author of the novels. 

In addition, the box office take for the first film starring Jennifer Lawrence has already amassed a worldwide box office gross of over $460 million since its release on March 23rd.

20th Century Fox and Lionsgate also recently came to a truce when it came to sharing Jennifer Lawrence's shooting schedule. While Fox has the red hot actress lined up to reprise her role as Mystique in the sequel to X-Men: First Class, Lionsgate obviously has her lock, stock, and barrel for Catching Fire (and the inevitable third Hunger Games film as well, Mockingjay).

Fox announced that X-Men would commence shooting in January 2013, freeing up Lawrence to film Catching Fire later this year.  

It is too soon to determine if Ross' departure has any affect on the Lionsgate shooting schedule. Big budget films, in theory, should have their director's involvement from the beginning, allowing them ample time to prepare, and at least put their stamp on the film. Ross' replacement now has the thankless task of not only rushing through all the countless necessary logistics to meet a pre-determined shoot date, but be expected to exceed expectations set by the first film's massive box office performance. 

Here is Gary Ross' full statement:

"Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct Catching Fire. As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule.

I loved making The Hunger Games – it was the happiest experience of my professional life. Lionsgate was supportive of me in a manner that few directors ever experience in a franchise: they empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results. And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of me through this difficult decision.

I also cannot say enough about the people I worked with: Producer Nina Jacobson, a great collaborator and a true friend; the brilliant Suzanne Collins, who entrusted us with her most amazing and important story; the gifted and remarkable Jennifer Lawrence whose performance exceeded my wildest expectations, and the rest of the incredible cast, whom I am proud to call my friends. 

To the fans I want to say thank you for your support your faith, your enthusiasm and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience."

Lionsgate, in turn, also released a statement:

"We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct Catching Fire. We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work. This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family and look forward to working with him in the future."

Now let the speculation begins as to who steps in. Lest we forget that Steven Soderbergh directed some second unit scenes for The Hunger Games, but there are also numerous qualified candidates who may jump at the chance (given their availability) to take on a mammoth production set to shoot in several months. The Twilight series changed directors from film to film, with no let up in audience attendance (harsh critical reviews be damned).

Let's hope Lionsgate does not rush to that decision once again simply to meet deadlines, and keep our fingers crossed they do not have Brett Ratner's phone number anywhere near a speed dial button in their time of need.